Faculty

Community based research, creative projects, and learning are holistic research, teaching and learning strategies that enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen partnerships with our communities. Faculty, students, and community partners collaborate intentionally with the goal of establishing a project for the common good that is grounded in reciprocity and equity.

As a faculty member, you are an integral member of CSUN’s community engaged work across and beyond the San Fernando Valley. Please see the resources below, please contact us to join our notification list, or contact the Director, Danielle Spratt. Send email

THE 2026-2027 GRANT CYCLE IS NOW OPEN!

The Deadline for Grant Applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle is Friday, May 8th at 11:59pm. We are offering three types of grants; Pedagogical Grants, Seed/Research or Creative Project Startup Grant, and Student Scholar Grants.

Please note that returning grantees should use the new, short returning grantee application to expedite the process. All grants are pending final budget approval.

 

Pedagogical Grant for returning grantees - $3500 (maximum)

This application is for returning applicants only. If you are a new applicant, please use the traditional Pedagogical Grant form below. 

 

Pedagogical Grant for new applicants - $3500 (maximum)

This grant supports one faculty member in designing and teaching a community-based pedagogical project to be implemented in a course. Faculty are expected to teach at least one section of the class and have it designated as a Community-Based Learning (Service Learning) course in SOLAR. Faculty must use an approved community partner in our S4 Database. Faculty from the same or different departments who wish to collaborate on a project must submit individual applications and indicate in the grant and budget proposals the names of faculty partners. Each application is considered separately, and funding is based on the strength of individual proposals and not the project. For those faculty who are funded, each will receive up to $3000 (with some percentage reserved for a community partner), and with $500 reserved for a student scholar if requested. In the event that a faculty collaborator is not awarded the grant, the faculty member may choose to participate without funding.

Faculty wishing to have a student scholar may apply by completing the Student Scholar section of this application and not submit a separate Student Scholar Grant. (see description below). 

 

Seed/Research or Creative Project Startup Grant - $500 (maximum)

This grant supports faculty new to community engagement or faculty who have a new community-engaged course design, project, research or creative activity. There is no commitment to teach a class connected to this grant in the AY it is funded; however, faculty are expected to design a syllabus by the grant term's end and teach a community-based learning course in the following academic year. To support teaching the course during the subsequent AY, faculty can apply for the Pedagogical Grant. Faculty may also apply for a mentor to help them design and implement this project.

 

Student Scholar Grant - $500

This grant allows faculty to select and pay a current student to support a Community-Based Learning (Service Learning) course taught that academic year. Student Scholars receive training from our office and work for a maximum of 20 hours over the course of the semester. Note: If you have requested a student scholar as part of a Pedagogical Grant Application, please do not apply for a Student Scholar Grant.

Travel grants are closed due to budget cuts. 

 

Downloadable Budget Form for All Grants (PDF)

Faculty Opportunities

• Community-Based (Service) Learning
• Contact Your College SOLAR Coordinator to Identify Your Course
• The Impact of Community-Based Learning
• Continuum of Service and Community Engagement
• Risk Management